Gareth Southgate would never claim to have endured a particularly difficult pandemic, despite contracting Covid-19 himself last autumn. But the overwhelming oddness of the last 15 months has certainly hindered his preparations for the European Championships.
In addition to the obvious disruption caused by the 12-month postponement, the England manager has had to contend with working in isolation for much of the last year. He has been cut off from his back-room team and analysts.
For the first two months after football resumed last summer, Southgate was prevented from attending any matches at all. Even when he returned to stadiums, the usual pre-match meetings with players, coaches and directors at clubs were prohibited.
Indeed, it was almost a year before he went to a game in the company of his assistant Steve Holland.
With chance encounters a thing of the past, the informal information network has dried up, so in assembling his squad for the tournament Southgate has had to rely on the evidence of his own eyes, often watching on a screen like the rest of us.
UEFA's decision to expand tournament squads to 26 to guard against player fatigue following the congested season should theoretically have made Southgate's life easier, but the 50-year-old opposed the change due to fears it would leave him with too many unhappy players at the Finals.
As Southgate announces an enlarged squad on Tuesday, Sportsmail looks at the problems he must solve before the final announcement of his 26-man squad.
The right-back riddle
It says much about the stability Southgate has engendered that the biggest headlines over the next 24 hours are likely to revolve around the identity of England's third-choice right back, although this also reflects the supreme talent of Trent Alexander-Arnold.
The Liverpool defender's omission from the squad for England's World Cup qualifiers in March caused major ructions and his form has improved considerably since, as he has played a key part in the revival of Jurgen Klopp's side to finish in the top four.
Alexander-Arnold's creative gifts are such that he has contributed more Premier League assists from right back than Mason Mount and Jack Grealish have managed from midfield - in fewer matches - yet Southgate continues to harbour doubts about defensive tightness.
The 22-year-old is also unfortunate with the quality of his rivals. Kyle Walker and Kieran Trippier both won domestic titles this season with Manchester City and Atletico Madrid respectively.
Reece James will face Walker for Chelsea in Saturday's Champions League final.
Given their involvement in Porto will prevent them taking part in England's warm-up matches against Romania and Austria next week, perhaps the biggest dilemma facing Southgate is whether to risk offending Alexander-Arnold's ego by including him in the long list and then cutting him next week.
Centre back concerns
Southgate's first-choice pairing of John Stones and Harry Maguire is set in stone, but beyond that the picture is less clear.
Manchester United captain Maguire is touch and go for England's opening game against Croatia due to an ankle injury, which is one of the reasons why Southgate has delayed naming his full squad.
Conor Coady's ability on the ball is valued by Southgate and that is likely to earn him a call-up, with the final centre back berth being contested by Tyrone Mings and Eric Dier.
Mings has the advantage of being the only left-footer in contention so would offer balance, but Dier has experience from two major tournaments and could also provide cover in a midfield beset by injury concerns.
Southgate prizes flexibility, which is likely to benefit Dier.
Midfield mishaps
Jordan Henderson will definitely be in the squad, despite not having played since February, but the Liverpool captain is not the only injury concern in this area.
Kalvin Phillips picked up a shoulder injury in Leeds' 3-1 win over West Brom on Sunday and Declan Rice has only played three games for West Ham since sorting a knee problem at the start of May.
While both should be selected, these doubts strengthen the case for Dier's inclusion.
Jude Bellingham impressed England's coaches when called up for the first time in March and his outstanding performances for Borussia Dortmund this season, particularly in the Champions League, could earn him the nod over James Ward-Prowse.
A surplus of widemen
Southgate is blessed with options out wide, to such an extent that he has only recently been converted to the merits of Grealish.
The Aston Villa captain is expected to make the cut to provide competition for Raheem Sterling, Phil Foden, Mount and Marcus Rashford, who are all certain to be picked.
Jesse Lingard's superb form for West Ham in the second half of the season and past good performances for Southgate are also set to be rewarded. That will leave Jadon Sancho and Bukayo Saka sweating on their inclusion.
Southgate is a huge admirer of Saka and was very impressed by his willingness to come into the camp while undergoing rehab at Arsenal in March. But Sancho's strong finish to the season at Dortmund may just clinch his place.
How many strikers?
At the end of a season in which Manchester City strolled to the title without a recognised No 9, Southgate is also contemplating prioritising other areas.
Harry Kane is the first name on his team-sheet, of course. But, given the captain will want to play every minute, the need for alternatives may be limited.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin had been expected to provide back-up to Kane, but his inclusion is not guaranteed, with Ollie Watkins and Mason Greenwood providing options.
Given Rashford's ability to play through the middle, Southgate could end up picking only three specialist strikers, which would present him with some tough choices.
Who to cut from the enlarged squad?
With Southgate naming an enlarged squad, he will have the tricky issue of cutting certain players when he has to announce his final list.
Egos could be damaged so expect fringe players like Ben Godfrey, Mings and possibly the versatile Saka to be culled.
The one that got away
Of all the options available to Southgate, one that remains pretty much off the table is the inclusion of Jamie Vardy.
Southgate said last October that the door was not closed to the Leicester striker but Vardy is known to have little interest in being a squad player at international level. What a shame that is.
He hit 15 Premier League goals this season and would have been a lethal option off the bench.
SonyMontana52
1
TBH he is not a bold manager
ciacioprs
0
This is the only way to go higher in tournament.
[image]
grealish is better than sterling
m_mop_718
0
I don't know why people still hate maguire. he is playing at level with dias and he is being named as the PL POTY. not saying he is better than Diaz though.
[image]
that's right. Diaz is getting all the praise because his team is getting results. when I look through a different angle, maguire can be still better than Diaz. just look at the amount of criticism he had this year. the incident in Greece, 6-1 loss to Spain, red card against Denmark. but still he did his work played every single minute in league till his injury. and also had to deal with captaincy which Diaz didn't have
NeonGrace
0
I don't know why people still hate maguire. he is playing at level with dias and he is being named as the PL POTY. not saying he is better than Diaz though.
[image]
Once we get a solid CDM like City has and a solid pairing for Maguire, People will start appreciating his quality more.. Lack of proper cover leaves him with too much work to do sometimes and that leaves him exposed to danger.
TrevorR
1
I understand the quality players abundance but I think the only problem Southgate has is ENGLISH MEDIA. They know it all
dennisachafu
5
This should be England first 11.
Afram123
2
what's wrong with Vardy
_xFootball_Fan
1
it's bound to happen, when u have plethora of talents, and u fail each clubs will come to defend their own players who have been left out😂 Pool would come if Taa is left out and they lose United will come with Awb Greenwood if left out City will come with foden, stones. Chelsea will come with Mount reece Haters will come with the opposite of the players they want. Just let the coach decide dude.
true af 😂
Paciklru
0
southgate can't please everyone, select players on form and play regularly
m_mop_718
0
ok, Search: titus bromble and compare him to vidic both 2007
no one wants to compare them to vidic🤣
Laobdelos
4
This is the only way to go higher in tournament.
Maybdirsuz
1
Gareth Southgate listen to me. Don't make the usual mistake of picking players for pleasure. Have you seen Luis Enrique? He ousted Sergio Ramos cos the guy isn't fit. Don't be scared. You see, Liverpool plays a particular system which makes their full backs thrive. Alexander Arnold ,in my opinion isn't a right back that would do well in a tournament ! The best right backs in England are Walker, Trippier and defensively, Wan Bissaka ! Arnold is good for Liverpool cos of how they play. He must not be invited to the squad to bloat it. Southgate, please make sure players like Foden, Grealish and James Maddison have major roles to play if they are fit, for these, in my opinion are the ONLY players who can hold the ball and dribble and you need such players. Now consider this squad.
[image]
How old are you?you think this is playstation?🤣🤣🤣🤣
Jacubi
1
If I’m TAA Even if he chooses to select me I won’t accept and will tell him to believe in those he trusts I don’t I’ll only play for England when he leaves
That is ego. And if players played with ego they never would have made it to a professional level.
YNWA_forever
0
awb is perfect for rb position
They don't select TAA for his defence. But they don't select AWB though his defence is too good.
YNWA_forever
0
leave sterling; in Bukayo 👌
I 100% agree. Saka is a hardworking guy.
YNWA_forever
1
I don't know why people still hate maguire. he is playing at level with dias and he is being named as the PL POTY. not saying he is better than Diaz though.
[image]
Those who still hate him are judging him by early season performance.
Zaublstuy
0
I don't know why people still hate maguire. he is playing at level with dias and he is being named as the PL POTY. not saying he is better than Diaz though.
[image]
ok, Search: titus bromble and compare him to vidic both 2007
odeis50
6
Honestly, seeing the names of all the players mentioned in this article, I see reasons for Southgate to calm before announcing the squad going to Euro. I'm also seeing selection problem for him no matter the player that make up the list. All the best for him anyway.
YNWApool
3
If I’m TAA Even if he chooses to select me I won’t accept and will tell him to believe in those he trusts I don’t I’ll only play for England when he leaves
m_mop_718
4
I don't know why people still hate maguire. he is playing at level with dias and he is being named as the PL POTY. not saying he is better than Diaz though.
pibekptuz
0
No stumbling blocks at all, Maguire is now okay and will be fit to play the first match of the Euros
Brazilian77
0
leave sterling; in Bukayo 👌
I agree with you bro
Woabdmuz
0
this England overrated coach is just too over hyped with him England will never get to any final
akiamo
1
Gareth Southgate listen to me. Don't make the usual mistake of picking players for pleasure. Have you seen Luis Enrique? He ousted Sergio Ramos cos the guy isn't fit. Don't be scared. You see, Liverpool plays a particular system which makes their full backs thrive. Alexander Arnold ,in my opinion isn't a right back that would do well in a tournament ! The best right backs in England are Walker, Trippier and defensively, Wan Bissaka ! Arnold is good for Liverpool cos of how they play. He must not be invited to the squad to bloat it. Southgate, please make sure players like Foden, Grealish and James Maddison have major roles to play if they are fit, for these, in my opinion are the ONLY players who can hold the ball and dribble and you need such players. Now consider this squad.
[image]
sterling; no🚫!
akiamo
3
leave sterling; in Bukayo 👌
Kamsy1993
0
Why Is this England 🏴 national team news and southgate always among Chelsea news is all the England 🏴 players playing for Chelsea
bipbcemot
1
Gareth Southgate listen to me. Don't make the usual mistake of picking players for pleasure. Have you seen Luis Enrique? He ousted Sergio Ramos cos the guy isn't fit. Don't be scared. You see, Liverpool plays a particular system which makes their full backs thrive. Alexander Arnold ,in my opinion isn't a right back that would do well in a tournament ! The best right backs in England are Walker, Trippier and defensively, Wan Bissaka ! Arnold is good for Liverpool cos of how they play. He must not be invited to the squad to bloat it. Southgate, please make sure players like Foden, Grealish and James Maddison have major roles to play if they are fit, for these, in my opinion are the ONLY players who can hold the ball and dribble and you need such players. Now consider this squad.
hazardeden1017
3
without TTA England ll fail to lift the uero cup.i gaurentee
it's bound to happen, when u have plethora of talents, and u fail each clubs will come to defend their own players who have been left out😂 Pool would come if Taa is left out and they lose United will come with Awb Greenwood if left out City will come with foden, stones. Chelsea will come with Mount reece Haters will come with the opposite of the players they want. Just let the coach decide dude.
IrfaNajeeb
6
Like this if you think Southgate wont win anything with England. 👍🏽
Vezonic22
0
Is Southgate having a selection headache? Just do a raffle draw Southgate. Just joking and do your best. Hope England has a strong squad to battle till the final
Pedadinop
0
no but he is still good enough for a call up.from a liverpool fan
He is better where he is because he can compete with martial not in the national team
RGLIVERPOOL45
0
Is he better than the strikers mentioned 👀🙄👀
no but he is still good enough for a call up.from a liverpool fan
Fetcilprtz
0
So odd to endured 15 months of golf, gardening and sunning. So bored. Give me a holiday ! Err paid holiday.
btle10
2
lille winning its league title and leicester winning fa cup shows that football is more than the big clubs ❤️.
jabaeloz
1
awb is perfect for rb position
Juneking2
4
I hate this overreacted coach never pick the players that deserves the call up
emabkr42
6
@Newmanunited20 say england will regret for not choosing TAA
kruz8080
0
But luckily he has a big fridge to hide those ingredients 😂😂😂
blames not gonna be easier on him if ingredients are wrongly selected 😂😂Victor de only excuse
MandownCity4life
0
without TTA England ll fail to lift the uero cup.i gaurentee
Yoo ure a big fool
Pedadinop
0
supplus ingredients for u Mr Southgate💯 don't get confused and cook rubbish😂🙌
But luckily he has a big fridge to hide those ingredients 😂😂😂
Pedadinop
1
I think he should pick Greenwood... Young and fast... Strong on both feet... Difficult for defender to guard... He will definitely shine if selected...
Is he better than the strikers mentioned 👀🙄👀
kruz8080
3
supplus ingredients for u Mr Southgate💯 don't get confused and cook rubbish😂🙌
zatblnrtuy
0
I think he should pick Greenwood... Young and fast... Strong on both feet... Difficult for defender to guard... He will definitely shine if selected...
btl
0
without TTA England ll fail to lift the uero cup.i gaurentee
never
Woydekouy
1
without TTA England ll fail to lift the uero cup.i gaurentee
omz222
4
Social media champions, they only win it on paper but would still hype their team as the best while they would end up being eliminated by teams like Gibraltar and macedonia
masbcmnsy
3
But why